Seven Salisbury University students face assault and hate crime charges in an incident that, according to police, occurred at an off-campus apartment complex.
Here’s what we know now.
Seven suspects are in custody as a result of mid-October assault
On Oct. 31, 2024, the Salisbury Police Department was contacted by members of the Salisbury University Police Department regarding an assault that was alleged to have occurred in an off-campus apartment complex for college-aged students. Detectives met with witnesses and observed cellular phone video of an adult male victim being assaulted by several college-aged men.
In a letter to the Salisbury University community, President Carolyn Lepre confirmed that “seven of our students were arrested on charges of committing several violent crimes. It is alleged that these students, some of whom are fraternity members, committed crimes including first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment, and associated hate crimes motivated by an individual’s sexual orientation, at an off-campus apartment complex.”
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Police: Victim was kicked, punched and spit on by SU students
During the course of the investigation, detectives identified and met with the victim from the video. Detectives discovered that on Oct. 15, 2024, a group of men used a social media account and invited the victim to a residence within the 1400 block of University Terrace under false pretenses.
When the victim responded and entered the residence, numerous college-aged men surrounded the victim and forced him to sit in a chair isolated in the middle of the living room. After being forcefully seated, the victim was kicked, punched and spit on while the men called him derogatory names, according to police.
The victim conveyed to detectives that he tried to leave the apartment multiple times, but was thrown to the floor during every initial attempt to flee. The assault lasted for several minutes until he was eventually allowed to leave, according to police. Due to the assault, the victim sought medical assistance and learned that he had sustained bruising throughout his body, as well as a broken rib.
Police: Victim was targeted due to his sexual preferences
The investigation revealed that the victim was targeted due to his sexual preferences. As detectives continued the investigation, they identified the following seven men as those who allegedly took part in the assault and were also determined to be members and or associates of a fraternity at Salisbury University.
Ryder Baker, 20, of Olney, Md.
Bennan Ard, 18, of Milton, Del.
Riley Brister, 20, of Davidsonville, Md.
Cruz Cespedes, 19, of Jarrettsville, Md.
Dylan Earp, 20, of Gambrills, Md.
Elijah Johnson, 19, of Crofton, Md.
Zachary Leinemann, 18, or Crofton, Md.
All are charged with first-degree assault, false imprisonment, reckless endangerment and associated hate crime charges. Each was brought to the Salisbury Police Department for processing and later released to the Wicomico County Detention Center to be seen by a District Court Commissioner.
This investigation is ongoing and the Salisbury Police Department is requesting anyone with information about this incident, or incidents similar in nature, to contact its Criminal Investigation Division at 410-548-3165. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
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Salisbury University President Lepre issues statement on incident
In an official statement on the incident, Salisbury University Carolyn Lepre shared:
“Salisbury University condemns all acts of violence. We are committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for all, both on and off campus. Any student who commits an act of violence can expect to face criminal charges, as well as disciplinary action under SU’s Student Code of Community Standards. The crimes described are in direct conflict with Salisbury University’s values and what we stand for. Hate has no place at SU.
“SU continues to cooperate with law enforcement in this investigation and is actively monitoring the situation.”
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Seven Salisbury University students face assault, hate crime charges
